3-D Nanowire Heterostructures from Earth Abundant Materials by Low-cost Fabrication Process for High-efficiency Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Generation

主要研究者：Wang，Deli提案编号：1236155机构：加州大学圣地亚哥分校标题：D纳米线异质结构从地球丰富的材料，通过低成本制造工艺的高效光电化学制氢阳光和海水是地球上最终的可持续能源。它们共同构成了全球能源危机的潜在解决方案，同时可以减少由于使用化石燃料而产生的碳排放。光电化学（PEC）电池利用太阳能直接分解水并产生氢气，其清洁且无碳排放。然而，PEC界广泛认为，在光吸收、减水、化学稳定性方面，没有单一材料可以成为太阳能水分解的完美光电极候选材料，该项目将研究使用三维（3-D）树状分支纳米线异质结构从地球丰富的材料，通过低-作为光电极的低成本制造工艺，用于高效率和潜在的实用和可持续的清洁氢气产生。 树状3-D分支纳米线的阵列提供了对高效PEC氢生成至关重要的所需性质的独特组合，包括增强的光吸收、改善的电荷分离/收集、扩大的表面积和更好的电化学反应动力学。具体而言，建议的研究重点将是（i）使用地球丰富的材料（Si，Cu 2 O，Fe 2 O3等）设计和制造3-D纳米结构光电极。 （二）理解低成本解决方案之间的接口 纳米线 核心和分支 及其 效果 对分离 和运输 的光生电荷载体，和（iii）电解质/纳米线界面的理解，特别是在高的局部酸性/碱性条件下的半导体电极的表面电化学反应/腐蚀。还将研究化学稳定的材料，如TiO 2和WO 3。 这项研究将发展对有关异质结的基本材料科学和化学问题的理解 纳米材料的形成 和接口， 以及创建一个新的范例异质功能集成在纳米级。特别是在可再生能源研究方面，这项工作也将照亮高效光伏器件和H2发电的设计和制造/制造。 此外，该项目还将为本科生和研究生提供机会，以获得与该项目相关的跨学科领域的培训。

PI: Wang, DeliProposal Number: 1236155Institution: University of California-San DiegoTitle: D Nanowire Heterostructures from Earth Abundant Materials by Low-cost Fabrication Process for High-efficiency Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen GenerationSunlight and seawater are the ultimate sustainable energy sources on earth. Together they constitute a potential solution to the global energy crisis and at the same time can reduce carbon emission due to the use of fossil fuels. A photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell utilizes solar energy to directly split water and generate hydrogen, which is clean and free of carbon emission. However, it is broadly recognized by the PEC community that there is no single material that can be the perfect photoelectrode candidate for solar water splitting with respect to light absorption, water reduction, chemical stability, etc. This project will investigate the use of three-dimensional (3-D) tree-like branched nanowire heterostructures from earth abundant materials by low-cost fabrication process as photoelectrodes for high efficiency and potentially, a practical and sustainable clean hydrogen generation. The array of the tree-like 3-D branched nanowires offers a unique combination of desired properties that are critical to high efficiency PEC hydrogen generation, including enhanced light absorption, improved charge separation/collection, enlarged surface area, and better electrochemical reaction dynamics. Specifically, the proposed research focus will be on (i) design and fabrication of the 3-D nanostructured photoelectrodes using earth abundant materials (Si, Cu2O, Fe2O3, etc.) by low-cost solution processes, (ii) understanding of the interface between the nanowire core and branches and their effect on separation and transport of the photogenerated charge carriers, and (iii) understanding of the electrolyte/nanowire interface, in particular the surface electrochemical reaction/corrosion of semiconductor electrodes at high local acidic/basic conditions. Chemically robust materials such as TiO2 and WO3 will also be studied. The research will develop an understanding of the fundamental materials science and chemistry questions regarding heterojunctions formation in nanomaterials and interfaces, as well as create a new paradigm of heterogeneous functional integration at nanoscale. Specifically with regard to renewable energy research, this work will also shine a light on design and fabrication/manufacturing of high-efficiency photovoltaic devices and H2 generation. In addition, the project will provide opportunity to the undergraduate and graduate students to obtain training in the interdisciplinary areas related to this project.